DESERT RIVERS AUDUBON

Check our Calendar for more details of all current DRAS Field Trips and Events.

Please contact the Field Trip Director to volunteer to lead a trip or with
suggestions or requests for trips.

Welcome!  All Desert Rivers’ Field Trips are free and open to the public. Whether you are a beginning or novice birder, or an expert birder, our leaders welcome anyone who would like to go on a field trip.  Grab your binoculars for a wonderful day with others who share your interest! We travel to well-known birding locations within the valley, and take all-day trips to locations outside the valley. A few trips are weekenders that include an overnight stay in interesting towns around the state.

Birding can be challenging and fun, whether you are new to Arizona, or someone who has only enjoyed backyard birding, or an experienced birder who has not participated with a group. With even just a little time to pursue a wonderful hobby, you will enjoy identifying the diverse birds that live in Arizona, and the many migrants that pass through in the spring and fall. With the large variety of birds who spend the winter in our mild climate, excellent birding is available year-round.

Special birding trips can be organized for Scouts, Home Schoolers, Elementary and Middle School students, civic groups, large employers, and others. Contact our Field Trips Director with specific requests and we will tailor an educational and informative outing for your special group. We provide binoculars, field guides, and leaders at no cost.

Arizona birding is legendary world-wide. Thousands of birders find their way to Arizona, just to "watch birds." Municipalities have begun to recognize that birding is a multi-billion dollar industry, and have created beautiful urban preserves and nature centers for us to enjoy. Birding is also an inexpensive sport; all you need is a pair of binoculars and a field guide to begin. Birding can be anywhere, anytime, for a few minutes on your lunch hour, on the golf course, or even while driving down our highways. Birding is fun and educational for all ages!

See the calendar and then click on any notation for further info on reserving a spot on that field trip. You may contact our Field Trip Director, Rob Baldwin for more information.

Field Trip Requirements:

1. Reservations are required; please give your cell number when making your reservation. There is a limit on the number of participants for each field trip.
2. Be on time.   Please be aware that the time listed to meet, is actually the time the leader wants to leave the meeting area, so come early.  We ask our leaders not to wait for latecomers, so as not to limit the time spent in the field by those who were on time.  
3. Cancellations:  Cancel as soon as you know that you can't go.  We usually have a waiting list.  If you become ill the morning of the trip, please let the leader or Field Trips Director know by phone. 
4. Stay together and behind the leader.  Please don't wander in a different direction.  Quietly point out your sightings to the leader.  This way, each person there will be able to see each bird spotted.
5. Help novice birders.  Show them how to locate birds in the field guide, and help with identifying characteristics.  By encouraging new birders, the trip is a success for all!
6. Leave pets at home.  We all love our dogs and cats, but there is no place for them on an Audubon birding field trip.   Also, it's dangerous to leave pets in the car.
7. Always bring:  Binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellant.  Wear a hat and comfy walking shoes.  Wear neutral colored clothing, and dress in layers, so you can lighten up as the day warms up.
8. Gas expenses:  Ask your driver if they would like to be reimbursed for their gasoline. Normally each passenger contributes .25 cents a mile for the trip. This helps with fuel costs and wear and tear on the vehicle.
9. Respect the land, and its birds and wildlife.  Pick up trash as you go, and limit your environmental impact on the land by staying on trails.  Leave nothing behind, and take nothing except memories of your day in the field.
10. Birding Ethics. Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first. To review the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics, please click here.